Nearly always, the case against Paul's authorship of Colossians has been based on linguistic, stylistic, and theological reasons. Those who argue for the genuineness of the letter usually try to show the inadequacy of those criteria. Such an approach, however, has left the issue at an impasse.
Professor Cannon's purpose in this fresh study of the problem is to present an additional approach. Examining Colossians in the light of the presence of traditional materials in the letter, he observes how Paul organized them to emphasize his view of himself as the uniquely appointed apostle to the Gentiles.
George E. Cannon is Professor of New Testament at Bethel Theological Seminary.